What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThat '70s Show
Mark Brazill · Series · 1998
If you loved That '70s Show, start with Dazed and Confused (Richard Linklater, 1993) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to That '70s Show across media.
You loved That '70s Show for the way it captures the aimless, rebellious energy of youth spent bonding with friends in cramped suburban spaces.
Books on the same thread
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Mark Twain · Book · 1994
Shares a thread with That '70s Show: Friendship.
If the basement antics of That '70s Show resonated with you, you will appreciate how this classic explores the same rebellious spirit and childhood camaraderie during a different historical era.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss · Book · 1957
Explores: Mischief, Imagination, Consequences.
Much like the chaotic household dynamics in That '70s Show, this story leans into the humor of disruption and rule-breaking that defines the experience of bored, imaginative children at home.
The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams · Book · 1999
Explores: dysfunctional family, escapism, memory.
While That '70s Show finds humor in domestic tension, this play offers a deeper, more melancholic look at the same dysfunctional family dynamics and the desperate need for teenage escapism.
The Outsiders
S. E. Hinton · Book · 1967
Explores: Social Class, Teenage Angst, Violence.
The deep-seated loyalty and social friction found in That '70s Show appear here in a more serious light, focusing on the intense bonds of brotherhood and the struggles of adolescence.
Films on the same thread
Dazed and Confused
Richard Linklater · Film · 1993
Shares 2 threads with That '70s Show: Teenage Rebellion, Nostalgia.
This film captures the same nostalgic, weed-fueled teenage rebellion and ensemble chemistry that made That '70s Show an iconic look at the specific, hazy experience of growing up in the seventies.
American Graffiti
Film · 1973
Shares 2 threads with That '70s Show: Nostalgia, Friendship.
If the transition to adulthood in That '70s Show caught your interest, you will enjoy this film's focus on the final night of high school friendship before life changes forever.
Saturday Night Fever
Film · 1977
Explores: Working-class life, Escapism, Identity.
This film reflects the working-class ambition and search for identity that often simmer beneath the comedic surface of That '70s Show, providing a grittier look at life in the seventies.
Grease
Randal Kleiser · Film · 1978
Shares a thread with That '70s Show: First Love.
The social cliques and first loves that drove the plot of That '70s Show take center stage here, offering a musical and romantic perspective on the same high school experience.
Podcasts on the same thread
NerdCast
Jovem Nerd · Podcast
Explores: humor, satire, current events commentary.
The satirical humor and cultural commentary that defined the conversations in That '70s Show find a modern home in this podcast, which turns the world into a constant, funny observation.
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Curiosity, Intellectual exploration, Trivia.
Fans of the aimless, conversational style of That '70s Show will appreciate this deep dive into trivia, mirroring the way friends pass time by discussing everything under the sun together.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is That '70s Show a sitcom?
Yes, That '70s Show is a retro-sitcom created by Mark Brazill that originally premiered in 1998. The series focuses on a group of high school teenagers navigating life, their parents, and the challenges of growing up during the 1970s.
What is the premise of That '70s Show?
That '70s Show follows a group of high school friends, including Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna, and Fez. They spend much of their time hanging out in Eric's basement while dealing with the typical struggles of teenage life and the specific cultural trends of the 1970s.
When was That '70s Show released?
That '70s Show was released in 1998. The series was created by Mark Brazill and centers on the experiences of a group of teenagers living through the 1970s, featuring elements like 8-track tapes, platform shoes, and puka shells.
Who are the main characters in That '70s Show?
The main characters in That '70s Show are Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna, and Fez. These teenagers spend most of their time hanging out in Eric's basement while attempting to figure out the meaning of life and dealing with their parents.